Pistol

ABSTRACT

A slide action pistol including a frame; a barrel supported on said frame and having a bore on an axis of the barrel; a handgrip portion of the frame provided with a cavity therein for receiving a magazine; a firing assembly including a trigger, hammer and firing pin arranged in operative relationship; and, a slide having one end engaged with the barrel and an opposite end pivotally connected to the handgrip portion, the slide arranged to pivot upwardly and rearwardly when the pistol is fired.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a pistol construction havingsemi-automatic and full automatic firing modes.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Semi-automatic and automatic pistols are well represented in thepatent literature. Examples may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,519 and5,717,156.

[0003] A common problem with such pistols is the reaction or recoilforce experienced by the user when the pistol is fired. Morespecifically, the firing action/reaction creates a force moment couplewhich drives the pistol rearwardly and upwardly. The problem isparticularly acute in automatic pistols where multiple rounds are firedper second. Attempts have been made to solve this problem byincorporating recoil compensation devices, usually added to the muzzleof the pistol. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,976,184 and 5,549,030.

[0004] Other persistent problems with semi-automatic and automaticpistols relate to difficulty encountered in changing barrels, fieldstripping for cleaning, and the like.

[0005] The present invention seeks to alleviate the above mentionedproblems through the incorporation of several unique features. Forexample, the pistol in accordance with this invention is provided with arotatable slide, unlike the axially reciprocable slides typically used.The slide is arranged to rotate (upwardly and rearwardly about a pivotaxis located at the lower end of the grip) when the pistol is fired, theupward pivoting movement creating a downward reaction force, thussubstantially balancing the recoil forces.

[0006] Another unique feature is a fast and easy barrel changingconfiguration, which does not require removal of the slide. This featureenables the user to change the barrel quickly, for example, for a longeror silenced barrel. The barrel itself is secured to the pistol frame bya tongue and groove keying arrangement, with a readily accessible leverconnected to a rotating lock mechanism. This feature is coupled with anassociated safety mechanism which prevents the pistol from being firedwhen the barrel is absent and/or when the locking mechanism is in theopen position. The barrel per se is spaced from the frame along aportion of the length thereof, creating an air space whichadvantageously cools the barrel.

[0007] Another feature relates to quick and safe field stripping whichallows easy removal of the magazine and slide without having to removethe barrel, and without having to liberate or release any springs orother small parts.

[0008] Another feature of the invention relates to the incorporation ofa conventional laser aiming system into the pistol frame, which can beoperated without moving the trigger finger from within the triggerguard, and without any barrel deviation. The latter occur inconventional configurations where operation requires the action offinger(s) other than the one operating the trigger. To achieve this end,the laser aiming device is integrated into the frame forward of thetrigger guard, just below the barrel. The laser actuator button islocated within the perimeter of the trigger guard.

[0009] It is another feature of the invention to provide a safety leverwhich is movable between locked, semi-automatic mode and full automaticmodes. Thus, the safety lever acts in concert with a trigger actuatorbar operatively connected between the trigger, the hammer, and anassociated sear mechanism which allows the hammer to be cocked andreleased via its interaction with the hammer. The trigger bar isoperable for a single shot or multiple successive shots in thesemiautomatic firing mode, while a separate sear bar actuator,inoperable during the single shot and semi-automatic mode, is operablein the full automatic mode via interaction with the sear mechanism andthe slide to effect continuous firing with the trigger held in thefiring position.

[0010] It is another feature of the invention that the recoil springwhich returns the slide to its normal closed position after firing, andthe hammer spring which drives the hammer into engagement with thefiring pin are interrelated in a unique manner. Specifically, the hammerspring guide rod moves into and out of the recoil spring guide intelescoping fashion, thus providing a compact arrangement of parts whichcan be left undisturbed during barrel removal/assembly, field stripping,and/or magazine removal and insertion.

[0011] Another feature of the invention relates to ambidextrousoperation in the sense that the safety lever, slide release lever andbarrel release lever can be accessed easily from either side of thepistol.

[0012] It is a further feature of the invention to provide a cartridgeextractor which is raised out of the plane of the frame when a cartridgeis chambered, thereby giving the user a safe indication, even in totaldarkness, that the gun is ready to be fired. The extractor works incombination with a fixed ejector which throws empty cartridge casingsupwardly, slightly forwardly and to one side of the pistol.

[0013] Still another feature of the invention relates to the use ofplastic or similar bearings or inserts to aid in reducing noiseassociated with movement of the slide.

[0014] Accordingly, in its broader aspects, the present inventionrelates to a slide action pistol including a frame; a barrel supportedon the frame and having a bore on an axis of the barrel; a handgripportion of the frame provided with a chamber therein for receiving amagazine; a firing assembly including a trigger, hammer and firing pinarranged in operative relationship; and, a slide having one end engagedwith the barrel and an opposite end pivotally connected to the handgrip,the slide arranged to pivot upwardly and rearwardly when the pistol isfired.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention relates to a slide action pistolincluding a frame; a barrel supported on the frame and having a bore onan axis of the barrel; a movable slide mounted in the frame; a handgripportion of the frame provided with a chamber therein for receiving amagazine; a firing assembly including a trigger, hammer and firing pinarranged in operative relationship; and a safety lever comprising twooperatively connected lever arms extending along opposite sides of thepistol, the lever arms connected by a pivot pin extending transverselythrough the frame.

[0016] In another aspect, the invention relates to a slide action pistolincluding a frame; a barrel supported on said frame and having a bore onan axis of the barrel; a handgrip portion of the frame provided with acavity therein for receiving a magazine; a firing assembly including atrigger, hammer and firing pin arranged in operative relationship; and alocking assembly for the barrel, the locking assembly comprising arotatable lock operatively connected to a barrel release lever, therotatable lock freeing the barrel and locking the trigger in oneposition, and freeing the trigger and locking the barrel in anotherposition.

[0017] In still another aspect, the invention relates to a slide actionpistol including a frame; a barrel supported on the frame and having abore on an axis of the barrel; a handgrip portion of the frame providedwith a cavity therein for receiving a magazine; a firing assemblyincluding a trigger, hammer and firing pin arranged in operativerelationship, and a sear element pivotally mounted the frame, the searelement having a tooth engageable with the hammer; a trigger baroperatively connected at one end to the hammer and at an opposite end tothe trigger; and a sear bar connected at one end to the sear element, anopposite end of the sear extending forwardly to the trigger.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pistol in accordance with oneembodiment of this invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is an exploded partial perspective view of the pistolbarrel and barrel locking mechanism taken from the pistol shown in FIG.1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a simplified side elevation, partly in section,illustrating the barrel and barrel locking mechanism in an unlocked orrelease position;

[0022]FIG. 3A is a partial front elevation of FIG. 3;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side elevation, partly in section, similar to FIG. 3but illustrating the barrel locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0024]FIG. 4A is a partial front elevation of FIG. 4;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a rear, top perspective view of the slide component ofthe pistol shown in FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a front top perspective view of the slide component;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a simplified side elevation, partly broken away,illustrating internal components and a fully loaded magazine in thepistol;

[0028]FIG. 7A is an enlarged end elevation of a recoil spring assemblytaken from FIG. 7;

[0029]FIG. 7B is an enlarged partial bottom plan of the grip portion ofthe frame, with parts removed, to show the recoil spring assembly ofFIG. 7A in place;

[0030]FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a field stripping levertaken from FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 9A is an enlarged front elevation of the magazine shown inFIG. 7;

[0032]FIG. 9B is a partial section of the magazine of FIG. 9,illustrating a lock/release mechanism in the magazine;

[0033] FIGS. 10-13 are simplified side elevations partly broken away,illustrating a step-by-step sequence for removal of the slide in a fieldstripping procedure;

[0034]FIGS. 14 through 24 are simplified side elevations, partly brokenaway, illustrating a step-by-step sequence of feeding cartridges fromthe magazine into the chamber, with accompanying slide action;

[0035]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the dual safety leverarrangement, in combination with alternative configurations for thelaser aiming device actuator lever and for the barrel locking device;

[0036]FIG. 26 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the manner inwhich the safety lever incorporating a ball-detent mechanism to defineits operative positions;

[0037]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the trigger;

[0038]FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the actuator assembly including thetrigger bar, sear bar, sear mechanism and hammer;

[0039] FIGS. 29-37 are simplified side elevations illustrating thepositions of the various actuating components during the firing of thepistol in both semiautomatic and automatic modes;

[0040]FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective illustrating a laser aimingmechanism in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0041]FIG. 39 is a partial side elevation, partly in section,illustrating the laser aiming device of FIG. 38 in place with the pistolframe;

[0042]FIG. 40 is a partial perspective illustrating a modified barrelfor use with an alternative barrel locking mechanism;

[0043]FIG. 41 is a simplified side elevation illustrating thealternative barrel locking lever for use with the barrel of FIG. 40 in alocked position; and

[0044]FIG. 42 is a simplified side elevation illustrating thealternative barrel locking lever for use with the barrel of FIG. 40 in arelease position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 1, the pistol 10 in one embodiment of theinvention includes, generally, a frame 12 including an integral grip orstock portion 14 (shown covered with wood trim pieces, one shown at 16);a barrel 18, a slide 20, a trigger 22, a hammer 24, and a magazine orclip 25. The components 18, 20, 22 and 24 are all supported on or withinthe frame 12. In addition to these operative components, the pistol alsoincludes a front sight 26, rear sight 28 and a commercially availablelaser aiming device 30 actuated by lever 32, located within the confinesof the trigger guard 23. In a preferred embodiment, the laser aimingdevice 30 is one which is commercially available under the name “Tekstar2000 Laser.” It is located within a recess formed in the frame below andparallel to the barrel 18. Adjustment screws S₁, and S₂ are provided tolaterally and vertically adjust the aiming device as necessary.

[0046] A safety lever 34 moves between locked, semi-automatic and fullautomatic positions as will be described in greater detail furtherherein. A field stripping lever 36 and magazine release button 37 permitremoval of the magazine (enclosed within the stock 12) and subsequentremoval of the slide 20 for cleaning. A barrel locking lever 38 permitsquick and easy removal of the barrel 18 for substitution of a longer orsilenced barrel, as will also be described in detail below.

[0047] The various external and internal components of the pistol willnow be described in detail.

[0048] The frame 12 and handle 14 may be cut and machined from a solidsteel block (or other material, such as aluminum or suitable polymer),or it may be cast in two halves which may be secured together by screwsor the like. It will be appreciated that the illustrated frame 12comprises a solid block, hollowed out (by machining or cutting) anddrilled to accommodate the barrel 18, magazine 25, laser aiming system30, firing mechanism, and other internal components as described furtherbelow.

[0049] With reference now especially to FIGS. 2-4, the frame 12 has agenerally flat top surface 40 which supports the barrel 18. Morespecifically, the frame 12 is formed with a pair of longitudinallyextending guide rails 42, 44, undercut at 46, 48, respectively, tothereby provide an axial keyway. Approximately midway along the guiderails, there is a cut out or recess 50 which has a width dimensiongreater than the distance between the undercuts or grooves 46, 48, andwhich extends downwardly into the frame. The barrel 18 is formed with anaxial bore 19 enlarged at the forward end thereof by a tapered edge 19′,the latter serving to reduce blast noise. The barrel is also provided onits lower side with mating, laterally extending tracks or tongues 52, 54which are adapted to slide within the keyway as defined by the undercuts46, 48 of the guide rails 42, 44. A cut out or recess 56 interrupts thelongitudinal continuity of the tracks 52, 54, and is adapted tovertically align with recess 50. This “tongue and groove” or “keyway”arrangement serves to accurately locate the barrel on the frame, and toprevent any lateral movement of the barrel relative to the frame. Aforward boss 58 is formed with a bore 60 for receiving the forward tipof a barrel lock shaft 64. The latter is formed with a part-cylindricallocking boss 66 having a flat surface 68. The shaft 64 is slidablyreceived within a bore 70 in the frame, below and axially aligned withthe barrel 18, with the boss 66 received within the recess 50. Thebarrel release/lock lever 38 is telescoped over and attached to theforward tip of the shaft 64 via hollow cylindrical portion 72,permitting the user to rotate the shaft 64. Note that the lever 72 iseasily accessed from either side of the pistol.

[0050] When the barrel 18 is slidably pushed into place on the frame,the bore 60 of boss 58 will slide over the forward, cylindrical portion72 of lever 38, and recess 56 will align vertically with recess 50. Ablock or barrel support 62 located behind the boss 58 will rest on theforward end of frame surface 40. Of course, the locking shaft 64 must berotated so that flat surface 68 is uppermost, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3so that it lies flush with, or just below, surface 40, to thereby permitinsertion (or removal) of the barrel along the keyway. When lever 38 isrotated clockwise (see FIG. 3A) to the position shown in FIG. 4, thecylindrical portion of the boss 66 projects upwardly into the recess 56in the barrel, with close tolerance, thereby locking the barrel 18against any axial movement. As apparent from FIG. 3, and as described indetail further below, when the locking shaft 64 is rotated to the openor barrel release/install position, the cylindrical portion of boss 66interferes with movement of the trigger 22 so that firing of the pistolis prevented when the barrel is removed, or installed but not locked(even if there is a cartridge in the barrel chamber).

[0051] Note also that when the barrel is installed as shown in FIG. 3,the manner in which tracks 52, 54 interact with guide rails 42, 44creates a space S₁ between surface 40 and a forward portion of thebarrel through which air can circulate to cool the barrel.

[0052] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7, the slide 20 is agenerally L-shaped, forked component, with a pair of parallel, forwardsides 74, 76 which extend along opposite sides of the frame 12 andbarrel 18. A pair of parallel rearward sides or legs 78, 80 aresubstantially perpendicular to sides 74, 76 and extend downwardly, alongopposite sides of the grip portion 14 of the frame. It is preferred thatthe legs 78, 80 be enclosed behind grip trim pieces 16 and, in order tofacilitate movement of the slide as described herein, the legs 78, 80may be seated within oversize grooves or shallow recesses in the sidesof the grip portion 14 of the frame. In a most preferred arrangement,the legs 78, 80 may be accommodated on the inside of the frame wall tofurther isolate the user's hands from the sometimes rapid movement ofthe slide and the heat generated by such movement.

[0053] The respective sides 74, 78 and 76, 80 of the slide are joined bya “yoke” or web portion 82, the latter supporting a cartridge caseextractor 84 within an elongated slot 86. The extractor 84 is pivotallysupported by a pin 88 and is biased in a counterclockwise direction (asviewed in FIG. 7) by a coil spring 90 seated within the yoke, at therearward end of the ejector. Below the extractor 84, the yoke isprovided with a countersunk, axially extending bore 92 which is adaptedto receive a firing pin 192 described in greater detail below. The yokeportion 82 also mounts the rear sight 28.

[0054] The lower ends of the rearward sides 78, 80 of the slide areangled back toward the front of the grip, and are provided withapertures 94, 96 by which the slide is pivotally mounted to the frame.Referring especially to FIG. 5, the inside surface of each leg ismachined to provide an entry slot 98, leading to a generally circularseat 100.

[0055] Referring now also to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the T field strippinglever 36 includes a transverse actuator bar 102 and a perpendicular stem104. The latch also mounts a transverse pin 106 having a generallyelongated, or rounded rectangular cross sectional shape. The lever isseated within a slot 108 formed at the forward, lower end of the gripportion 14 of the frame. The latter is formed with aligned holes 110(see FIG. 13) which receive the pin 106 such that the lever 36 ispivotable between lock and release positions, described further below.The otherwise open slot 108 is closed at its lower open end, afterinstallation of the lever 36, by a plate 109 attached to the frame byscrews or other suitable fasteners.

[0056] Because the pin 106 is elongated in cross section, the slide 20must be accurately located for the pin 106 to be received in the entryslots 98 formed on the inside surfaces of rearward sides 78, 80.Accordingly, the pin 106 is oriented relative to the latch lever 36 sothat, when the lever 36 is in the open or release position, the slidecan be installed on the frame, with legs 78, 80 pushed over the pin 106,and with entry slots 98 permitting the pin to be received within thecircular seats 100. The lever 36 is pivotable to the closed or lockposition, with pin 106 lying transverse to the entry slots 98, so thatthe slide is now locked in place. It will be appreciated, however, thatthe slide is free to pivot about the pin 106 to a limited degree duringfiring of the pistol as explained further below.

[0057] It should also be pointed out that the lever 36 has a surface 112which lies substantially flush with (or at least does not protrude into)the interior frame cavity 114 which receives the magazine or clip 25(see FIG. 7). On the other hand, because of the close sliding fitbetween the magazine 25 and the interior surface of the frame cavity,the lever 36 cannot be pivoted to an open position unless the magazineis first removed. This is because the latch is so configured that aprojecting portion 116 moves into the magazine cavity in order to pivotto the open position. This also means, of course, that the magazinecannot be inserted unless the lever 36 is closed.

[0058] As already indicated above, the magazine 25 (see FIGS. 7, 9A and9B) is inserted into a cavity 114 in the frame from below the grip. Themagazine 25 is of conventional construction including a generallyrectangular, hollow housing, with an enlarged base 118, an internalcartridge pusher 120 and a coil spring 122 located between the base 118and the pusher 120 (see also FIGS. 14-24). In FIG. 9A, the pusher 120 isat the uppermost end of the cartridge since there are no cartridges inthe magazine. The upper end of the magazine 25 terminates at twoupwardly and slightly outwardly tapering “ears” 124, 126 which preventthe cartridges from escaping the magazine in the upward or feedingdirection. In other words, once a cartridge is in the uppermost positionwithin the magazine 25, it can only move forwardly into the pistolchamber, through interaction with the slide 20 as described furtherbelow. The magazine may hold fifteen cartridges, but an additionalcartridge may be accommodated in the barrel chamber.

[0059] When the magazine 25 is inserted into the frame, a spring loadedretainer is employed to lock the magazine in place. More specifically,and with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B as well as FIG. 1, it will be seenthat the forward wall 128 of the magazine 25 has a pair of alignedapertures 130, 132 which also extend partly into adjacent side walls134, 136. At the same time, the grip portion 14 of the frame 12 isformed with a forward, transverse projection 138 with aligned openingssupporting a retainer pin 140. Pin 140 is aligned with magazineapertures 130, 132 when the magazine 25 is filly inserted into thecavity 114 of the frame 12. The pin 140 lies in front of the magazine,however, and is surrounded by a partitioned, generally semi-cylindricalsleeve 142 fixed to the frame which allows a spring 144 acting betweenthe magazine wall 134 and partition 146 to bias the pin 140 to the leftas viewed in FIG. 9A. The pin 150 includes the button 37 formed or fixedat one end thereof, projecting from the frame and thus easily accessibleto the user. The pin 150 has an enlarged head 148 on its opposite endwhich, in its normal position, projects into the frame cavity and, intothe aperture 132 in the magazine 25, thus holding the latter in place.It will be appreciated that when the button 37 is pressed inwardlyagainst the action of spring 144, the head 148 will move out of theaperture 132 (to the right in FIG. 9A) and, because the pin itself liesforward of the magazine 25 (see FIG. 1), the magazine 25 can be removedby simply pulling on the base 118. Movement in the opposite direction,i.e., during insertion of the magazine 25, the forward tapered surface150 thereof will ride over the head 148, causing it to move to the right(as viewed in FIG. 8A), until it reaches aperture 132 and snaps back tothe left, into its locking position within aperture 132 of the magazine.

[0060] Having described the slide assembly and the magazineconstruction, a typical field stripping operation can be described nowin connection with FIGS. 10-13. FIG. 10 illustrates the pistol prior tostarting the field stripping operation. Note that the slide 20 is in itsnormal closed position, the field stripping lever 36 is closed, themagazine 25 is inserted into the grip portion of the frame, and thehammer 24 is in its forward position. Turning to FIG. 11, the pistol isshown with the hammer 24 pulled rearwardly to a first cocked position soas to allow the slide to be pulled upwardly and rearwardly during itsremoval, and with the magazine 25 having been removed as describedabove. In FIG. 12, the slide release lever 36 has been rotated partiallyin a counterclockwise direction as viewed in the Figure, and note theposition of surface 116 within the magazine cavity, confirming that itwould be impossible to open the lever with the magazine in place.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, the field stripping lever 36 is in its fullyopen position wherein the pin 106 is aligned with the entry grooves 98in the slide legs 78, 80, allowing the slide 20 to be lifted upwardlyand rearwardly off the pistol frame 12. Note that no other parts need beremoved in order to remove the slide 20 including the barrel 18. Inother words, the installation and removal of the barrel 18 and slide 20are independent of each other in that the barrel 18 can be removedand/or replaced without removing the slide 20, and, conversely, theslide 20 can be removed and/or installed without having to first removethe barrel 18. As in the case of barrel release lever 38, the fieldstripping lever 36 is easily accessed by both right and left handedusers by reason of its central location in the grip portion of theframe, and especially by the lateral extent of the actuator bar 102.Here again, no springs or other small parts need be removed in the fieldstripping procedure.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 7, as well as to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the frameportion 14 is provided with another slot 152 to the rear thereof, openon both sides of the grip portion and extending upwardly from the bottomof the grip portion to a location about midway therealong. Adjacentforward and rearward surfaces of the slot are grooved (at 152 a, 152 b)to permit location of a spring assembly including a hollow sleeve 154(or recoil spring guide) on which a recoil spring 156 is seated, thelower end of the spring engaging an enlarged shoulder or boss 158 on theexterior of the sleeve. A spring cap bar 160 is secured toward the upperend of the sleeve 154, the cap extending transversely so that oppositeends of the cap bar are free to slide within, and project outwardly of,the slot 152 in the frame. These outward ends of the cap are adapted toengage rearward projections 122, 124 on the rearward sides of the legs78, 80 of the slide 20. In this way, the slide is biasedcounterclockwise about the pin 102 to a normal position as shown in,e.g., FIGS. 1 and 7. Spring 156 is confined at its upper end by a collar157, also fixed to the sleeve 154, and from which the bar 160 extends. Aboss 159 is provided at the uppermost end of the sleeve 154 to serve asa seal for the hammer spring as described further below. As will beexplained in greater detail below, gas expansion upon firing will causethe slide 20 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the pin 106 and,against the action of spring 156. The rotating slide 20 thus acts as arecoil compensation device insofar as the upward (or clockwise) rotationof the slide 20 causes a downward reaction force in the barrel 18, thusbalancing the upward component of the usual recoil forces. The recoilspring 156 will return the slide to its normal position. Other featuresand functions of the slide will be described further below.

[0063] Before discussing the manner in which cartridges C are fed to thefiring chamber, and the manner in which spent cartridges are extractedand ejected from the pistol, it will be helpful to provide a briefdescription of the hammer 24, recoil and hammer springs, and anassociated sear mechanism. With particular reference again to FIG. 7 aswell as FIG. 28, the hammer 24 is pivotally mounted within a slot in theframe 12 by a pin 162 extending through a transverse bore 164 formed inthe hammer body, at its lower end. Adjacent the bore 164, and locatedabout a lower peripheral portion (generally on the forward sidethereof), there are formed three teeth 166, 168 and 170. Tooth 166 isrelatively shallow; intermediate tooth 168 projects somewhat farther,while tooth 170 projects the farthest. On the rearward side of bore 164,there is an adjacent, parallel bore 172 extending through a bifurcatedportion of the hammer body, so that a pin 173 of a crank 174 can bepivotally mounted to the hammer. As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 16-21, agenerally reverse L-shaped upper crank portion 176 extends downwardlyinto the grip portion 14 of the frame where a shoulder 178 is providedat the interface of the upper crank portion 176 and a lower hammerspring guide portion 180. The shoulder 178 serves as a stop for a hammerspring 182 telescoped over the spring guide portion 180 of the crank,the spring guide portion comprising a solid rod. The hammer spring 182is thus confined between the shoulder 178 and collar 159 on the sleeve154. The latter is free to slide, in telescoping fashion, within thehollow recoil spring guide 154, but the hammer is biased in a forward orfiring direction by spring 182, so that when the hammer 24 is pulledrearwardly in a cocking direction, the hammer spring guide 180 slidesinto the hollow recoil spring guide 154 against the bias of hammerspring 182. Conversely, when the hammer 24 is released, the hammerspring 182 will act through the crank 174 to drive the hammer forwardly,in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 7 to strike the firingpin 192 as described further below. Note that hammer 24 does not extendbeyond the outline of the pistol frame.

[0064] A sear element 184 is also pivotally mounted within the frame bya pin 186, and includes a ratchet tooth 188 engageable with select onesof the hammer teeth 166, 168 and 170. A wire spring 190 supported on pin186 urges the sear 184 in a clockwise direction, toward the hammerteeth, as viewed, e.g., in FIG. 7. The lower stem 191 of the spring isconfined within a groove (not shown) in the pistol frame. Additionaldetails concerning the sear 184 will be provided further below.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 7, the pistol is shown with a fully loadedmagazine 25, with a series of stacked cartridges C biased upwardly bythe internal coil spring 122 via pusher 120. Note, however, that thereis no chambered cartridge in FIG. 7, i.e., a cartridge within the barrel18 just forward of the firing pin 192, ready for firing. As alreadymentioned, firing pin 192 is slidably mounted in bore 92 in web portion82 of slide 20. Because there is no chambered cartridge, it can also beseen that the extractor 84 is in its lowered position which, asexplained further below, is an indicator to the user that there is nocartridge in the chamber. Note also that the hammer 24 is in a forward,uncocked position and that the slide 20 is in its forwardmost position.The lower edge or face 194 (see also FIGS. 5, 6) of the slide yoke orweb portion 82 holds the uppermost cartridge C₁ in the magazine belowthe chamber, and below the uppermost portion of the magazine.

[0066] With FIG. 7 as a base reference, attention is now directed toFIG. 14-24 which illustrate, in sequence, the manner in which cartridgesC are fed from the magazine 25 to the firing chamber in the barrel 18.It should also be noted that FIGS. 14-24 which illustrate the cartridgefeeding sequence, do not illustrate the linkage between the trigger 22and the sear/hammer assembly so that the cartridge feeding sequence canbe more easily understood.

[0067] Turning now to FIG. 14, as the slide 20 is rotated manually in aclockwise direction about pin 106 and against the bias of recoil spring156, the forward face 196 of the hammer is engaged by a back faceportion 200 of the yoke portion 82 of the slide 20 (see also FIG. 5) andis therefore also rotated rearwardly in a clockwise direction. As thehammer 24 moves rearwardly, the hammer teeth also rotate in acounterclockwise direction, and the ratchet tooth 188 of the sear 184rides over teeth 166, 168, thus cocking and holding the hammer 24 in thefully cocked position as shown in FIG. 15. With the slide 20 rotated asdescribed, the cartridges C are free to move upwardly under the biasingaction of coil spring 122 located in the lower portion of the magazine,so that the uppermost cartridge C₁ moved to the uppermost portion of themagazine, ready to be pushed forwardly into the chamber.

[0068] With the hammer 24 held in the cocked position by the sear 184,the slide 20 is now permitted to rotate in a counterclockwise directionback toward its normal position under the influence of the recoil spring156 acting on projections 122, 124 of the slide legs 78, 80 via thetransverse spring cap 160. During this time, the forward face 198 of theyoke portion 82 of the slide 20 is pushing the uppermost cartridge C₁forwardly into the chamber as shown in the sequence illustrated in FIGS.15-18. In FIG. 15, the cartridge C₁ is shown being moved forwardly, withthe bullet B just beginning to enter the chamber portion of the barrel.FIG. 16 shows continued movement of the cartridge, and note that theforward edge 202 of the extractor 84 has not yet engaged the radialflange 204 at the rearward end of the cartridge. FIG. 17 shows furtherprogression of the cartridge C₁ into the chamber, and the extractor hasnow engaged the flange 204. FIG. 18 shows the cartridge C₁ fully seatedwithin the chamber and note that the extractor edge 202 remains engagedwith flange 204, because as the slide 20 closes, it moves forward withthe cartridge. The remaining cartridges are held down in the magazine 25by the lower surface 194 of the slide, as best seen ion FIGS. 18 and 19.Note that the spring loaded extractor 84 is now pushed slightly upwardlyto its highest position (approximately 1 mm higher than the slide) bythe cartridge C₁, providing a visible indicator that a cartridge C₁ inthis case) is fully chambered. This is especially helpful especially intotal darkness where the user can ascertain quickly and unobtrusivelythat the pistol is ready to fire.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 19, when the trigger 22 is pulled and thehammer 24 released (as described in further detail below), the latterrotates in a counterclockwise direction under the influence of thehammer spring 182, driving the firing pin 192, located in slide bore 92,into engagement with the chambered cartridge C₁ to fire the shot. Notethat the forward hook-like edge 202 of the extractor 84 remains engagedwith the radial flange 204. The resulting expansion will cause the slide20 to rotate in a clockwise direction, upwardly and away from the barrel18 as illustrated, sequentially, in FIGS. 20-24. At the same time, thebullet B has separated from the now empty cartridge casing C₁, and thelatter is moving rearwardly with the slide under the impetus of the gasexpansion, and by reason of the engagement of edge 202 of extractor 84with the flange 204 of the cartridge. As the slide 20 is rotated to itsopenmost position as shown in FIG. 24, the empty cartridge casing isengaged by a fixed ejector 206 (see FIG. 23) which effectively pushesthe cartridge forwardly, relative to the slide and away from theextractor edge 202. Because the extractor edge 202 is engaged with theradial flange 204 on the cartridge, the latter pivots upwardly and isejected. Note also that the fixed ejector is offset to the left of thebarrel axis so that the cartridge will be ejected upwardly and to theright (FIG. 24), and slightly forwardly. Specifically, the ejector 206is formed as part of, or fixed to, the frame 12, on one side of the slotformed in the frame in which the hammer 24 is mounted for pivotalmotion. Note also that during the recoil action of the slide 20, thehammer 24 is recocked and the next cartridge C₂ is fed into the chamberin the same manner as described above.

[0070] With reference now to FIG. 25, a double safety lever assembly 208includes the left side lever 34 seen in FIG. 1 and a right side lever210 fixed relative to each other by a cross-pin 212 extending through abore in the frame 12, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebarrel 18. The safety lever is thus equally accessible by left orright-handed users. The left side lever 34 extends rearwardly, parallelto the frame 12 and slide 20, terminating at a press pad 214. The rightside lever 210 also extends rearwardly, parallel to left side lever 34,but along the right side of the pistol frame and slide components, andalso includes a press pad 216. The right side lever is dimensioneddifferently, however, to accommodate a raised platform 218 provided withlever position detents or apertures 220, 222 and 224 as well assubstantially vertical stop surfaces 226 and 228 for a trigger actuatorbar 240 discussed further below, and shown in phantom in FIG. 25. Withreference also to FIG. 26, a spring loaded ball 230 supported within abore formed in the frame 12 and biased outwardly by spring 232, isadapted to seat, selectively, within the detents 220, 222 or 224 todefine controlled movement of the safety levers in three positions: 1) asafety lock position where hole 224 is engaged by ball 230; asemi-automatic firing position where hole 222 is engaged to the ball230; and a fully automatic firing position where hole 220 is engaged bythe same ball. Note that the safety lever is movable between the threepositions (with the lever overcoming the resistance created by thespring loaded ball 230) upon exertion of moderate pressure by the user.The ball/detent arrangement thus provides controlled, well definedmovement of the safety levers.

[0071] It is noted here that FIG. 25 also illustrates a laser aimingdevice actuator lever 234 and an alternative barrel release lever 236.These are part of an alternative and preferred design which will bediscussed further herein.

[0072] Turning to FIGS. 27 and 28, the trigger 22 is mounted in theframe via a pivot pin 238 (FIG. 7) extending transversely of the barrelaxis. The pin is received in a bore 242 in the trigger, and the ends ofthe pin are mounted in opposite sides of the frame. As explained furtherbelow, a transverse pin 241 on S the trigger bar is received within apair of aligned holes 243, 243′ in a bifurcated portion of the trigger.The trigger also mounts a transverse pin 244 which is engaged by a searbar 246, as explained below. Both the trigger actuator bar 240 and searbar 246 extend rearwardly, substantially parallel to each other, andconnect to the hammer 24 and sear component 184, respectively, as bestseen in FIG. 28. More specifically, the trigger bar 240 terminates atits rearwardmost portion with an upstanding extension 248 lying in thesame plane as the bar 240 itself. In addition, a sear release block 250extends inwardly from the bar 240 in a direction generally parallel tothe pin 241. A further lateral tooth extension 252 also extends in thatsame direction from the rearward face of the block 250. This generallytriangular shaped extension is received in a space just behind tooth 170of the hammer in a normal, uncocked position of the trigger. It will beappreciated that when the bar 240 is drawn forwardly as the trigger ispulled, the hammer 24 will be caused to rotate about its pivot axis in aclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 28 (in a cocking direction) viaengagement of tooth 252 with tooth 170. At the same time, the searactuator bar 246 is provided with a transverse pin 254 extendinglaterally from an angled portion 256 of the bar. The pin 254 extendsthrough an arcuate slot 258 formed within the frame and seats within around hole or bore 260 formed in the sear 184 directly in front of thetooth 188. The sear bar 246 is also formed with a generally triangularlyshaped cam element 262 which is adapted to interact with the slide 20when the pistol is in the fill automatic firing mode as explainedfurther below.

[0073] The positions of the safety levers and the firing action in thesemi-automatic and full automatic modes will now be described.

[0074] Full Safety Lock

[0075] With the safety levers 34 and 210 rotated counterclockwise (orupwardly) as viewed in FIG. 25 to a lock position, ball 230 is engagedin detent 224 and stop surface 228 on the interior of lever 210 isengaged by the forward edge 264 of the trigger bar 240 so as to preventany movement of the trigger. In other words, and with further referenceto FIG. 29, when the trigger is pulled in a firing direction (even withthe hammer cocked), it would normally pull the trigger bar 240 forward,in light of the attachment of bar 240 via pin 241 in holes 243, 243′ ofthe trigger which are located above the trigger pivot pin 238 receivedin transverse bore 242 of the trigger. In full safety mode, stop surface228 will prevent any such forward movement of the trigger bar and,therefore, the trigger 22 cannot be pulled rearwardly in a firingdirection. Thus, FIG. 29 reflects the “at rest” position of the firingcomponents, in a full safety mode.

[0076] Semi-Automatic Mode

[0077] Referring back to FIG. 25, when safety levers 34 and 210 aremoved in a clockwise direction (or downwardly) so that the ball 230 isengaged within detent 222, the trigger bar 240 is able to move in aforward direction beyond stop surface 228 until it engages the secondstop surface 226. In other words, the trigger is now permitted limitedrearward movement, pulling the trigger bar 240 in a forward directionuntil the edge 264 engages the stop surface 226. In this position, thetrigger can be pulled repeatedly in a single shot or semi-automaticmode, but cannot be pulled so far to the rear that full automatic firingis enabled.

[0078]FIGS. 30 and 33 illustrate the firing action in a semi-automaticmode. As the trigger 22 is pulled in the rearward direction, the triggerbar 240 is pulled in a forward direction as the pin 241 moves through anarcuate slot 245 in the frame. As the bar 240 moves forwardly, thelateral generally triangular projection 252 engages the hammer, behindtooth 170 causing the hammer to rotate in a counterclockwise directionas viewed in FIG. 30, against the bias of hammer spring 182. As thehammer rotates in a cocking direction, the spring biased sear ratchettooth 188 clicks passed the shallow tooth 166 and, as the hammercontinues to rotate, rides over the intermediate tooth 168 as well, sothat the hammer is fully cocked and momentarily held in place by sear.As the trigger bar tooth 252 disengages from tooth 170 as the latterrotates upwardly away from the tooth 252, the forward edge of searrelease block 250 on the trigger bar engages a corresponding releasesurface 247 on the sear (best seen in FIG. 28), causing the sear to moveaway from tooth 168 and thereby allowing the hammer spring 182 to drivethe hammer 24 forwardly into engagement with the firing pin 192. Notethat the axial length of the firing pin is slightly less than the lengthof the bore in the web portion 82 of the slide. Thus, when the firingpin is engaged by the hammer, it is “thrown” forwardly into engagementwith the rear end of the cartridge. This prevents a non-intentional shotbeing fired when the gun is accidentally dropped with the hammerstriking the floor first.

[0079] Upon firing of the cartridge, the slide 20 rotates upwardly andaway from the barrel as previously described and, as the slide 20rotates, the back face of the slide engages the hammer, forcing it backin a cocking direction. At the same time, an internal edge 249 of theslide (see FIG. 5) presses downwardly on the vertical extension 248 ofthe trigger bar so that the trigger bar tooth 252 does not interferewith the re-cocking of the hammer by the slide. This will ensure thatthe hammer remains cocked (through the spring action of the sear 184),even though the user may not have yet released the trigger. Note,however, that the rearward end of bar 240 is normally biased upwardly bya wire spring 251 mounted in the frame. Note also that the slide 20automatically filly cocks the hammer 24, i.e., the hammer is rotatedthrough its fill stroke with the ratchet tooth 188 of the sear engagedwith the intermediate tooth 168 of the hammer. When the trigger 22 isreleased, the trigger bar 240 returns to its original position while thehammer remains cocked and ready for the next shot. Because the hammer 24is in its fully cocked position, only a soft touch on the trigger 22will cause the sear tooth 188 to be released, liberating the hammer tofire the next shot.

[0080] It should also be appreciated that, in this semi-automatic mode,a single shot can be fired either in the manner described above, or byfirst cocking the hammer manually by simply pressing the hammerrearwardly either to a first cocked position with ratchet tooth 188engaged with hammer tooth 168, or to a fully cocked position withratchet tooth engaged with hammer tooth 168. This action presumes thepresence of a cartridge C within the chamber. If no cartridge is locatedin the chamber, slide 20 can be manually rotated rearwardly to feed acartridge to the chamber as described above, and to simultaneously movethe hammer 24 to the fully cocked position.

[0081] Thus, the user can choose to simply fire a single shot or to firerepeated shots in rapid fashion, since the movement of the slide 20 bygas expansion automatically feeds the next cartridge chamber, andautomatically cocks the hammer. The sequence of movements of the trigger22, trigger bar 240, sear 184 and hammer 24 can be seen in FIGS. 30 and32 which show the right side of the pistol. Thus, in FIG. 32, the slide20 is returned to its normal position by recoil spring 156, but thehammer remains cocked due to the engagement of sear ratchet tooth 188with hammer tooth 168. As the user releases the trigger, the trigger bar240 moves rearwardly and spring 251 pushes the trigger bar tooth 252back into engagement with hammer tooth 270, so that the next shot can befired.

[0082] During firing in this semi-automatic mode, the sear actuator baron the left side of the pistol is essentially inoperative, since thetrigger movement is limited so that pin 244 extending from the triggerdoes not engage the sear bar cam 262 in the semi-automatic mode. Thatthe sear bar has no role to play in the semiautomatic mode is apparentfrom FIGS. 31 and 33 which correspond to FIGS. 30 and 32 respectively.More specifically, in claim 31, the trigger 22 has been pulled to afiring position, limited by the stop surface 226, and a semi-automaticmode shot has been fired with the slide 20 moving upwardly and away fromthe barrel. With this movement, the pin 244 on the trigger does notcause any movement of the sear bar 246. In FIG. 33, as the slide 20closes, the automatic “trigger” surface 266 (see also FIG. 5) does notengage cam 262 because the latter has not been raised by pin 244. Ofcourse, absent any movement of sear bar 246, the sear ratchet tooth 188retains the hammer in the cocked position.

[0083] Automatic Firing Mode

[0084] When the safety levers 34 and 210 are moved to automatic firingmode with ball 230 in detent 220, the trigger bar 240 on the right sideof the pistol is free to move above and beyond the final stop surface226 on the inside of the safety lever 210, thus permitting the triggerbar 204 to move through its full stroke. Moreover, as explained below,the trigger bar 240 does not interfere with automatic firing and, infact, has no role to play in the full automatic firing mode, once thefirst shot has been fired. With reference to FIG. 35, the trigger is nowpulled completely to the rear to initiate automatic firing. The firstshot is fired in the same way as described above, with trigger bar 240cocking the hammer which, in turn, releases the sear ratchet tooth 188,but the trigger is moved further in the rearward direction and heldthere. Now, as best seen in FIG. 34, the trigger 22 when moved throughits full stroke (uninhibited by bar 240) the pin 244 engages the forwardend of the sear bar 246 and pivots it upwardly (in a clockwisedirection) about pin 254 and the slide is closing after a shot has beenfired. Note that the hammer will remain cocked due to the holding actionof the sear tooth 188. As the slide 20 closes, “trigger” surface 266 ofthe slide 20 engages cam 262 on the sear bar 246, moving the sear barforward, pulling the sear ratchet tooth out of engagement with hammertooth 168, liberating the hammer which is now moving to fire the nextshot. This cycle will be repeated automatically until the trigger isreleased or until the last cartridge of the magazine has been fired.

[0085] During automatic firing in the automatic mode, the action of thetrigger bar 240 is illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 37, which correspond toFIGS. 34 and 36, respectively. Note that the forward edge 264 of thetrigger bar 240 is free to move up and over the stop surface 226 on theinterior surface of the safety lever 210 so that not only is the triggerbar free to move forward to its fullest extent, but such movement alsoremoves the trigger bar from any interaction with the hammer or the searmechanism, after the first shot in the automatic mode is fired. Notealso that as the slide 20 closes after each shot, trigger bar extension248 is pressed downwardly by slide surface 240 so that trigger bar tooth252 does not interfere with the rapid firing and cocking movement of thehammer 24.

[0086] Thus, in the fill automatic mode, it is the rapid pivotingopening and closing movement of the slide 20 which cocks and recocks thehammer 24, and which releases the hammer 24 via the interaction of thesear cam 262 with the slide surface 266, to continue rapid firingwithout any action required on the part of the user other than holdingthe trigger in its rearwardmost position. The continuous action of slide20 also “pumps” air in and around the barrel to cool the latter.

[0087]FIG. 38 shows an exploded view of a laser aiming mechanism inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the laser aiming device 270 (which may be the samecommercial device previously identified) which includes a cylindricalcover 272 housing the laser unit 234, and battery pack 276 and switch278 is fitted within a split cylindrical casing 280 including a body 282and cover 284. The unit including elements 270, 272, 274 and 276 areidentical to laser device 30. When assembled within the split casing280, the laser device is fully integrated and substantially fullyenclosed within the pistol frame 12 below the barrel 18, with thesmaller diameter forward end portion 286 of casing 280 received within acorresponding diameter bore 288 in the depending flange or bushing atthe forward end of the pistol frame. A spring loaded switch rod projectsfrom the rear of the unit and engages the crank-like actuator lever 234shown in FIG. 25, which is rotatable relative to the pivot pin 212. Theactuator lever 234 projects into the area enclosed by the trigger guard23, forward of the trigger 22. The laser can be actuated by pressing thelever 234 forward and deactivated by a second pressing and similarforward action. Because lever 234 rotates freely with respect to pin212, operation of lever 234 does not affect the safety levers, and viceversa. A vertical adjustment pin 292 is accessible through a hole 294 inthe casing, and a horizontal adjustment pin 296 is accessible through asimilar hole 298 at the interface of cover 284 and body 282.

[0088] A spring loaded blocking pin 300 locks the rear end of the laserassembly to the frame 12. By removing the barrel as described above, thelaser unit can be slidably removed from the frame simply by depressingthe pin 300.

[0089] FIGS. 40-42 illustrate an alternative and preferred barrel lockarrangement which is similar in principal to that which is disclosed inFIGS. 2-4 but relocates the release lever away from the end of thebarrel, and arranged the lever to pivot about an axis transverse to thebarrel axis. Thus, it can be seen that the keyway 306 on the barrel 304as shown on FIG. 40 includes a transverse recess 306 which is adapted toalign over a similar recess formed in the frame. With reference also toFIG. 25, the locking cylinder 308 includes a flat surface 310 which,when flush with the surface of the frame, permits the barrel to beremoved as previously described. Upon insertion of the barrel, the lever236 is rotated to cause the round portion of the cylinder 308 to rotateup into the recess 306, thereby precluding any axial movement of thebarrel. On the other hand, with the lever 236 in the release position(FIGS. 25 and 42) the cylinder 308 prevents firing movement of thetrigger. When the barrel is locked (FIG. 41), the trigger is uninhibitedby the cylinder 308. To ensure ambidextrous operation, the lever 236 maybe duplicated on the opposite side of the pin, thereby providing bothleft and right handed access to the barrel locking device. It will beappreciated that because lever 236 rotates forwardly to lock the barrelin place, it does not interfere with the movement of the safety levers34 and 210.

[0090] It is also desirable to provide an insert 312 (polypropylene, forexample) at the forward end of the frame which is impacted by the slide20 as it returns from its recoil position to its normal position underthe influence of recoil spring 156. The insert 312 not only serves toprovide some cushioning for the slide, but also serves to reduce thenoise which would otherwise occur by the metal-to-metal contact as theslide returns to its normal closed position. A similar insert 314 may beprovided at the rear of the frame, to cushion the impact between theslide 20 and the frame when the slide is rotated to its full openposition.

[0091] Various modifications and additions are within the scope of thisinvention. For example, the tension of the recoil spring 156 may be madeadjustable by any suitable mechanism in order to accommodate differentcaliber ammunition. A hydraulic or other suitable dampening device maybe employed to control the movement of the slide 20 and thus vary therate of firing.

[0092] It will be appreciated that extended clips or magazines can beused (holding, e.g., 30 rounds), and that a known adjustment mechanismcan be incorporated into the pistol to control the number of cartridgesfired in the automatic mode.

[0093] The fixed sights 26, 28 could also be adjustable. In addition, itmight be desirable to extend the barrel length, and to change the angleat 19′ to avoid liberation of all of the combustion gases at the sametime, thereby reducing muzzle blast.

[0094] On the whole, the pistol described herein has lower productioncosts due to the reduced number of moving parts and due to the pivotingslide mechanism which eliminates the need for high precision millingoperations which are usually necessary for slide and frame construction.

[0095] While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slide action pistol including a frame; a barrelsupported on said frame and having a bore on an axis of the barrel; ahandgrip portion of the frame provided with a cavity therein forreceiving a magazine; a firing assembly including a trigger, hammer andfiring pin arranged in operative relationship; and, a slide having oneend engaged with the barrel and an opposite end pivotally connected tosaid handgrip portion, said slide arranged to pivot upwardly andrearwardly when the pistol is fired.
 2. The slide action pistol of claim1 and further comprising a laser aiming device at least partiallyenclosed within said frame below said barrel.
 3. The slide action pistolof claim 2 including a button actuator operatively connected to saidlaser aiming device, said button actuator located within a guard ringsurrounding said trigger.
 4. The slide action pistol of claim 1including a locking assembly for said barrel, said locking assemblycomprising a rotatable lock operatively connected to a barrel releaselever, said rotatable lock freeing the barrel and locking the trigger inone position, and freeing the trigger and locking the barrel in anotherposition.
 5. The slide action pistol of claim 4 wherein said rotatablelock has an axis of rotation parallel to said bore.
 6. The slide actionpistol of claim 4 wherein said rotatable lock has an axis of rotationperpendicular to said bore.
 7. The slide action pistol of claim 1including an empty cartridge ejector mounted on the slide, said ejectorextending partially out of said slide when a cartridge is chamberedwithin the barrel.
 8. The slide action pistol of claim 1 wherein saidbore in said barrel expands in diameter in a region adjacent a forwardedge of the barrel.
 9. The slide action pistol of claim 1 wherein afield stripping lever is pivotally mounted to the handgrip portion ofthe frame, said field stripping lever incorporating a transverse pin bywhich said slide is pivotally connected to the handgrip portion of saidframe.
 10. The slide action pistol of claim 9 wherein said fieldstripping lever is movable between locked and unlocked positions, andwherein said field stripping lever is mounted adjacent the magazine suchthat the lever cannot be moved to the unlocked position without firstremoving the magazine.
 11. The slide action pistol of claim 1 whereinsaid barrel and said slide are removable from said frame independentlyof each other.
 12. The slide action pistol of claim 1 wherein said slideincludes a pair of forward extending sides locatable on opposite sidesof said barrel, and a pair of rearward sides locatable on opposite sidesof the grip portion of the frame.
 13. The slide action pistol of claim12 wherein said slide includes a yoke region where said forward andrearward sides join, said yoke including a body portion having an axialbore for receiving the firing pin, and a groove along a top surfacethereof, pivotally mounting a cartridge extractor.
 14. The slide actionpistol of claim 13 wherein said extractor is spring biased at one end toa position where a forward end of the ejector is substantially flushwith the frame when no cartridge is chambered; but stands proud of theframe when a cartridge is chambered.
 15. The slide action pistol ofclaim 1 and further comprising a recoil spring biasing said slide to aclosed, forward position, said recoil spring telescoped over a hollowrecoil spring guide.
 16. The slide action pistol of claim 12 and furthercomprising a recoil spring biasing said slide to a closed, forwardposition, said recoil spring telescoped over a hollow recoil springguide.
 17. The slide action pistol of claim 1 and further including ahammer spring biasing said hammer toward a firing position, said hammerspring telescoped over a hammer spring guide slidably received withinsaid hollow recoil spring guide.
 18. The slide action pistol of claim 15wherein said recoil spring is located within the grip portion of theframe.
 19. The slide action pistol of claim 16 wherein said recoilspring includes a cap having laterally extending projections engaged bysaid rearward sides of said slide.
 20. The slide action pistol of claim1 including non-metal inserts on said frame to cushion said slide atextreme limits of motion of said slide.
 21. A slide action pistolincluding a frame; a barrel supported on said frame and having a bore onan axis of the barrel; a movable slide mounted in said frame; a handgripportion of the frame provided with a chamber therein for receiving amagazine; a firing assembly including a trigger, hammer and firing pinarranged in operative relationship; and a safety lever comprising twooperatively connected lever arms extending along opposite sides of saidpistol, said lever arms connected by a pivot pin extending transverselythrough said frame.
 22. The slide action pistol of claim 21 wherein saidlever arms are simultaneously movable between full safety,semi-automatic and full automatic positions.
 23. The slide action pistolof claim 22 wherein one of said lever arms is formed with detents foreach of said positions, said detents cooperating with a spring loadedball on said frame.
 24. The slide action pistol of claim 23 and furthercomprising a trigger bar operatively connected between the hammer andthe trigger, and wherein said one of said lever arms is formed with stopsurfaces engageable with a forward end of said trigger bar, said stopsurfaces corresponding to said full safety and semi-automatic positionsof said lever arms.
 25. The slide action pistol of claim 21 including abarrel lock and wherein said barrel is provided with a longitudinallydiscontinuous key and said frame is provided with a cooperating,discontinuous keyway such that said barrel is slidably received on saidframe, said barrel lock having at least one actuator arm for moving saidlock between lock and release positions.
 26. The slide action pistol ofclaim 25 wherein a first recess in said key is vertically alignable witha second recess in said keyway, and wherein a rotatable locking memberis mounted in said second recess in said keyway, and is movable intosaid first recess in said key to thereby lock said barrel to said frame.27. The slide action pistol of claim 26 wherein said rotatable lockingmember comprises a part cylinder rotatable about an axis parallel tosaid barrel.
 28. The slide action pistol of claim 27 wherein saidrotatable locking member comprises a part cylinder rotatable about anaxis perpendicular to said barrel.
 29. The slide action pistol of claim21 including a field stripping lever pivotally mounted on said handgripportion of said frame, arranged to permit removal of said magazine andsaid slide.
 30. The slide action pistol of claim 21 wherein said slidemounts a cartridge extractor which cooperates with an ejector fixed tosaid frame, said ejector located offset from a longitudinal axis of saidbarrel to thereby cause ejection of cartridges forwardly and to one sideof the pistol.
 31. The slide action pistol of claim 30 wherein saidextractor is pivotally mounted on said slide for movement betweenretracted and extended positions, said extractor extended when acartridge is present within a firing chamber in said barrel.
 32. A slideaction pistol including a frame; a barrel supported on said frame andhaving a bore on an axis of the barrel; a handgrip portion of the fameprovided with a cavity therein for receiving a magazine; a firingassembly including a trigger, hammer and firing pin arranged inoperative relationship; and a locking assembly for said barrel, saidlocking assembly comprising a rotatable lock operatively connected to abarrel release lever, said rotatable lock freeing the barrel and lockingthe trigger in one position, and freeing the trigger and locking thebarrel in another position.
 33. The slide action pistol of claim 32wherein said barrel is spaced in part above said frame, creating an airspace therebetween for cooling said barrel.
 34. A slide action pistolincluding a frame; a barrel supported on said frame and having a bore onan axis of the barrel; a handgrip portion of the frame provided with acavity therein for receiving a magazine; a firing assembly including atrigger, hammer and firing pin arranged in operative relationship, and asear element pivotally mounted in said frame, said sear element having atooth engageable with said hammer; a trigger bar operatively connectedat one end to said hammer and at an opposite end to said trigger; and asear bar connected at one end to said sear element, an opposite end ofsaid sear extending forwardly to said trigger.
 35. The slide actionpistol of claim 34 wherein, in a semi-automatic firing mode, said searbar is inoperative.
 36. The slide action pistol of claim 34 and furthercomprising a slide pivotally mounted on said frame, said slide movablefrom a normal position upwardly and rearwardly relative to the framewhere a shot is fired to compensate for recoil forces, said slide havinga rear face engageable with said hammer to cock said hammer duringupward and rearward movement of said slide.
 37. The slide action pistolof claim 36 wherein, in an automatic firing mode, said sear bar is movedby said trigger to a location such that said sear bar is engaged by saidslide as it returns to its normal position to thereby move said sear barforwardly to disengage said sear element tooth from said hammer.
 38. Theslide action pistol of claim 37 wherein, in said automatic firing mode,said trigger bar is operative only to cause firing of a first shot, saidsear bar operative to cause firing of shots after said first shot. 39.The slide action pistol of claim 34 and including a hammer spring seatedon a hammer spring guide, and a recoil spring seated on a recoil springguide, said hammer spring guide axially movable within said recoilspring guide in telescoping relationship.
 40. The slide action pistol ofclaim 39 wherein said recoil spring guide includes a transverse armengageable at opposite ends thereof with respective surfaces on saidslide.
 41. A slide action pistol including a frame; a barrel supportedon said frame and having a bore on an axis of the barrel; a handgripportion of the frame provided with a cavity therein for receiving amagazine; a firing assembly including a trigger, hammer and firing pinarranged in operative relationship; a slide having one end engaged withthe barrel and an opposite end pivotally connected to said handgripportion, said slide arranged to pivot upwardly and rearwardly when thepistol is fired; and means for firing said pistol, selectively, insemi-automatic or automatic modes.
 42. The slide action pistol of claim41 and further comprising a laser aiming device at least partiallyenclosed within said frame below said barrel.
 43. The slide actionpistol of claim 41 including a locking assembly for said barrel, saidlocking assembly comprising a rotatable lock operatively connected to abarrel release lever, said rotatable lock freeing the barrel and lockingthe trigger in one position, and freeing the trigger and locking thebarrel in another position.
 44. The slide action pistol of claim 41including an empty cartridge extractor mounted on the slide, saidextractor extending partially out of said slide when a cartridge ischambered within the barrel.
 45. The slide action pistol of claim 41wherein a field stripping lever is pivotally mounted to the handgripportion of the frame, said field stripping lever incorporating atransverse pin by which said slide is pivotally connected to thehandgrip portion of said frame.
 46. The slide action pistol of claim 41wherein said field stripping lever is movable between locked andunlocked positions, and wherein said field stripping lever is mountedadjacent the magazine such that the lever cannot be moved to theunlocked position without first removing the magazine.
 47. The slideaction pistol of claim 41 and including a safety lever comprising twooperatively connected lever arms extending along opposite sides of saidpistol, said lever arm connected by a pivot pin extending transverselythrough said frame.
 48. The slide action pistol of claim 47 wherein saidlever arms are simultaneously movable between full safety,semi-automatic and full automatic positions.
 49. The slide action pistolof claim 48 wherein one of said lever arms is formed with detents foreach of said positions, said detents cooperating with a spring loadedball on said frame.
 50. The slide action pistol of claim 49 and furthercomprising a trigger bar operatively connected between the hammer andthe trigger, and wherein said one of said lever arms is formed with stopsurfaces engageable with a forward end of said trigger bar, said stopsurfaces corresponding to said full safety and semiautomatic positionsof said lever arms.
 51. The slide action pistol of claim 1 and furthercomprising a laser aiming device substantially fully enclosed withinsaid frame below said barrel.
 52. The slide action pistol of claim 41and further comprising a laser aiming device substantially fullyenclosed within said frame below said barrel.
 53. The slide actionpistol of claim 1 wherein said bore is expanded by a taper at theforward end of the barrel.